As
a kid, Walker McBain
couldn’t get out of Grace Harbor fast enough, and a scholarship
to Dartmouth did it. Sure, he told his girlfriend Elizabeth Harrison,
they’d keep things going long distance. Somehow, it didn’t
happen like that, though. The friendships he built at college, along
with his charisma and gorgeous smile were enough for entrée
into the rarefied world of privilege.

But
his marriage to his boss’s daughter was as insubstantial as
the bubbles the bridal party blew instead of rice as he and his
bride exited the church. And when the marriage blew apart, it took
his job with it, so Walker comes home to get his head straight.
The last person he expects to see behind the front desk, though,
is Elizabeth.

There
had been a time he and Elizabeth had been in love, or as in love
as eighteen-year-olds can be. Seeing her now just reminds him of
another relationship he’d screwed up, makes him feel guilty
and awkward.

Elizabeth
doesn’t really give a damn. She’d spent enough nights
crying over Walker and worrying about what he thought the year after
they’d broken up. She’s got no patience for it now.
The inn needs her and she needs a job; Walker’s just going
to have to deal with it.

But
as they work side by side, they rediscover each other—and
discover that sometimes the first love is the lasting love.